Stepping Away from the Edge

Summer Studies in Fermentation

What's a chemistry student to do over the summer?

I mean, really.  What do you do when your friends are off on exciting ventures in, say, Peru. . . or India . . . or Vienna.  Or even at home in much more exotic locations . . . like Albuquerque, for example.  And you. . . have to take Calculus II at the local community college because you didn't have room for it in your schedule last semester.

What do you do to get past the dullness . . . of a summer mowing the lawn?

Why, you try your hand at making beer, that's what you do!

Way back in '79, the summer I started going out with Tom, he was making beer in his basement bedroom.  At the time, I thought this was . . . rather peculiar.  And colorful.  I mean, it was unusual... back then... to brew your own beer.

That summer, Tom spent a lot of time looking for equipment that would work for home brewing.

I remember he was using a giant trash can (properly sanitized, of course), and that he spent a very long time looking for some sort of "______ometer" (I don't remember the name of that particular thing, and he's not around right now to ask).

In the end, his beer was . . . okay.  Rather explosive, though.  (Some of the bottles actually DID explode.)  He got busy with grad school.  And fishing.  And me.  And the beer-making was left behind.

Now, though. . . there are two chemists in the house.  And they are both interested in the art of craft beer making.  What better time to give it a try . . . again.

What a difference 30 (plus) years makes!  Now there are books and local brewing shops and advice on the Internet.  Now you can find kits and equipment and even ________ometers.  There are ready-made flavor packets and pre-measured malt and hops and barley.

Now, everything you need for beer-making is available and accessible!  You can go out for an hour one afternoon. . . and come back with everything you need for a summer of fermenting fun!

(And, because they are both scientists, there are thorough lab notes. . .)

Summer beer batch #1. . .

Fermenting now. . .

in a basement shower stall!

(I wonder if he'll get extra credit?)

So Very Much

We had a family celebration yesterday.  We had so much to celebrate!

Mothers. . .

(And celebrating by buying SHOES! Two matching shoes for walking in comfort and style.  And that's a real reason to celebrate!)

Birthdays. . .

(Better late than never, right Dad?)

Master's Degrees. . .

(Even if you weren't physically with us, Erin, we toasted your success!)

The end of a successful sophomore year. . .

(With more details about . . .what's cookin'. . . later this week.)

The beginning of fishing season. . .

(Have fun, Tom!)

Blooms. . .

(Eye-popping color everywhere!)

and the end of that damn festival!

So. Very. Much.

The Joy In It

Brian has come home for the summer.

Not only did he bring an enormous pile of laundry (impressive; really), but he also brought loud sub-woofers, video games, the detritus of college life, and this. . .

 

This video, created by Brian and his best longboarding buds, is much more than a video showing skill and tricks.  More than that, it is a video that shows the best . . . of what it's like . . . to be 20. . . and. . .

free

daring

competent

fun

quick

flowing

beautiful

Watch. . . and feel the JOY in it!

A Family Affair

This week for Ten on Tuesday, Carole has us . . . in stitches!  (But not knits and purls.)  This week, we're talking comedy. 

Laughter is best shared, I think, so I shared this topic with my family.  I asked each of them to share their favorite comedy movie.

Here's our list . . . a Family Composite . . . of the Ten Best Comedy Movies. . .

 

1. We'll start off with a classic from me . . . Young Frankenstein.
2. From Tom, we get Will Ferrell and company in . . . Old School.
3. Erin moves to action-comedy with . . . Kung Fu Hustle.
4. Erin's boyfriend, Keith, adds a little tongue-in-cheek, dark comedy with . . . Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
5. More Will Ferrell and slapstick comedy from Brian, with . . . Step Brothers.
6. My sister, Di, goes classic with . . . Monty Python and the Holy Grail,
7. While my brother-in-law, Kurt turns seasonal with . . . A Christmas Story.
8. My niece, Jes, brings some buddy-comedy with . . . Dumb and Dumber.
9. My Dad really does go "old school" with. . . Smokey and the Bandit,
10. And my Mom favors rom-coms like . . . Love, Actually.

And there you have it!  Humor . . . it's a Family Value!

What's YOUR favorite comedy?

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There's No Place Like Paris

A year ago, I was just returning from a lovely trip to Paris (and Amsterdam!) with my sister. 

We've both found our thoughts returning to Paris lately.  I think it's just something about . . . Paris in the spring.  Such a perfect time. . . to be in such a perfectly delightful place!

For my birthday (a few weeks ago), my sister created a lovely memory of our time together in Paris.

She even included some unbelievably wicked Parisienne chocolat!

Oo la la!

Such lovely reminders of our lovely time in Paris!

Last week I found this card. . . and sent it to my sister.

There really isn't, you know.

(And, no offense to any Kansans out there, but Paris is a much more exotic destination to wish for . . . if you have a pair of Ruby Red Slippers!)

Enjoy your weekend!

A Clear Desk is Totally Overrated

(Photo of my early-blooming rhododendron.  Because who really wants to see my desk right now.)

• My desk always reflects my level of "busy."
• If things are neat and tidy - if you can actually see the wood-grain of the surface - if means that things are at a lull and I have some extra time on my hands.
• For the most part, though, there's a bit of chaos going on there on top of my desk.  Piles of paper and materials neatly organized for work or creative projects.  Things I'm considering.  Stuff I need to do. 
• Not bad.  Certainly manageable.  I am a "visual" person.  I need to "see" what's up and what I need to do.
• I am not one of those clear-surface kind of desk-people.  Never will be.  Don't care to try.  Finally just accepted it.
• But.  There are times when . . . my desk gets totally out of control.   Times when my desk starts to look like an avalanche. . . just waiting to happen.  The piles get bigger.  The papers spread out.  The calculator gets buried under paper.  The phone gets buried under paper.  The piles get moved to the floor.  More piles emerge.
• And then. . . there are the computers.  I use an iMac at home.  I use a Windows 7-based laptop for my work.  When I'm really busy, I have them both set up on my desk.  Side-by-side. 
• That takes up a lot of desktop real estate.
• Guess what's going on now?
• Yeah.  Right now, I'm at "ORANGE" (glowing, nearly exploding "ORANGE") on the "Busy-ness Threat Scale" -- and headed straight to "RED."
• Which means . . . I can barely get to my desk, let alone sit down to work at it. . . and soon, I'll lose sight of it altogether.
• Seriously. 
• I have my "system," though.  It looks bad.  It looks like disaster waiting to happen.  But it seems to work for me.  I know what's in which pile.  I can find things (amazingly) quickly.  I get things accomplished.  It's just. . . well. . . think Pig-Pen, of Charlie Brown fame.
• Tom, by contrast, is a neat, put-everything-in-its-place kind of guy.  He thrives on efficiency.  He is streamlined.  He is one of those clear-desk people.  He does not understand "piles" as a filing "system."  He can always see the surface of his desk.
• (But sometimes he is absent-minded and forgets his phone, or a file, or even his entire briefcase.  I love this about him.  But it never happens to me.)
• Anyway.  He recoils in horror when he sees my desk.
• I actually think it makes him physically ill.
• He doesn't make eye-contact with me when he comes into my office when my desk is Like This.  Instead, I can see his eyes dart to the piles on my floor.  I can see the judgment, the absolute wonder, in his eyes.
• How DOES she function?  I can see those thoughts roll through his mind.
• So.
• That's where I am right now.  Hunkered down behind stacks of files, a few piles of books, two computers, about 3 pairs of cheaters, office supplies, and the flotsam and jetsam of my life.
• Works for me!

Photo Finish

Sometimes, photos just tell it best.

Hope your weekend. . . was as good as mine was!

Movin' Out

This week, Carole's got us . . . movin' out!  Hit it, Billy!

 

I've had my share of moves over the years.  Across town and across country.  I've moved myself with U-Hauls.  I've been "moved" by relocation companies.  And I've depended on the kindness of friends and relatives to help me move.

I've been in one place now for nearly nine years (and that last move came compliments of a relocation package with packers and movers and unpackers, even), but my kids have not.  I've moved kids in and out of dorm rooms and campus housing too many times to count, and last summer, I helped Erin move to Pittsburgh.

So.  Yeah.  I'm qualified to address this particular Ten on Tuesday topic.

My Ten Tips for Moving (with input from Tom):

1. Sort through your stuff before (or even as) you pack.  Get rid of ANYthing you don't want to deal with in your new place.  This is your Big Chance!  Thin out.  Have a garage sale.  Donate to Goodwill.  Recycle.  Just don't move something you don't need or want!  (And if you have professional packers move your stuff, just know that they will pack EVERYthing you have.  Even full trash cans.  Everything.)
2. Get familiar with your new place BEFORE you move.  It's great if you have the time (and luxury) to paint or change out the carpet before you actually move in, but, at the very least get in and measure windows, check whether or not you need to bring a shower curtain with you, and have some idea about where you want to place your big furniture and belongings.
3. Designate a "safe spot" to hold the items you want to bring with you to have immediately when you move in.  During our last move, for example, we desginated the bathtub as the spot to store things we didn't want packed into the moving van (medications, documents and records, overnight bags, tool kits, etc.).  When you're in the midst of a move -- with other people pitching in to help or moving you -- it's a good idea to have one central location to store things you DON'T want to lose track of!  Your "helpers" will know that one spot is off limits.
4. Treat your movers well (whether they're professionals you've hired OR your friends and relatives)!  Feed them.  Provide water or Gatorade.  TIP THEM WELL!  They'll be so much more willing and helpful if you do.
5. Create a tool kit of those items you'll need at hand while you're moving and unpacking -- and keep them with (or near) you all the time.  Tape measure.  Box cutter.  Packing tape.  Markers.  Water.  Toilet paper.  Clipboard/note paper.  Pen.  Cell phone.  Screwdrivers. 
6. Locate local fast food and chain restaurants you can trust right away!  When Tom and I first moved to Michigan, we had to eat at "Clock Fine Foods" (the "Fine" was a stretch) for three days straight because we couldn't find more standard fare for awhile.  (Of course, this was in the pre-GPS days and internet days. . . but still.  Find your best options right away.)
7. Once your "stuff" is "in" -- set up and make your bed first.  Before you do any other unpacking.  Because it's great to be able to settle in to a comfortable (and civilized) place to sleep when you finally get to turn in for the night!  (And, really, who wants to make up a bed when they're hours beyond bedtime and emotionally drained?).
8. Set up your electricity, cable, and internet services in advance of the move so they're set up and ready to go on moving day.
9. If you're moving yourself, be sure to rent a dolly.  It's totally worth the extra (minimal) expense.
10. Relax.  Try not to get too overwhelmed.  It will all sort itself out.  Eventually!

How about YOU?  What are your best moving tips?

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We Are Family

No Ten on Tuesday this week.  Poor Carole is under the weather.  I thought I'd use this little hiatus to bring you a quick family update.

As you might remember, three months ago (right before the Christmas holidays), my mom had a tumble and ended up with a nasty leg fracture.  Surgery.  Pins.  Plates.  No-weight bearing.  Walkers.  Wheelchairs.  Physical Therapy.  Bleak times, for sure.

But, last week. . . she graduated from physical therapy.  And she had her last visit (for a while, at least) with her surgeon.  She is walking again.  And driving.  And has been given the go-ahead to begin working out at her gym again. 

After so many dark and horrid weeks during the winter, it is just lovely to see her out and about and getting back into her old routine and activities!  Great news all around.

And. . . as you can see. . . Erin came home for a visit last week. 

It was fabulous to have her (and her Keith) home for a bit.  (It's so nice to spoil your grown-up kids when they come back home.)

There was one day of overlap between Erin's visit home and Brian's spring break.  Although it feels a little like I have installed an offspring-revolving-door, it's nice to be able to spend some good time with each of them, individually.  So now . . . this week. . . my house is filled with big shoes, longboard paraphernalia, and smelly boy-laundry.

I'll take them any way I can get them!

We are family.

Making a Statement

My daughter, Erin, is home for a visit this week.  (It's her spring break.)  As many of you know, she is a grad student at Carnegie Mellon University, just finishing up work for her Master's degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies.

Erin is particularly interested in literature as it intersects with pop culture; or "new media."  She is frequently frustrated in her efforts . . . because the field is just emerging, really, and changing as fast as "media" does these days!   She encounters both professors and students who are not quite. . . well, ready . . . for the "new" in "new media."  Erin, though, has always (since her tiny toddler days) been incredibly perceptive to the world around her.  She is . . . On To Something . . . and she will perservere.  (Just wait.)

Anyway, she has a blog of her own, and she frequently (between tales of life in a new urban setting, the frustrations of graduate school, video game reviews, and political rants) writes of her own thoughts about this emerging field.

I thought it might be fun for her to become a "guest blogger" here on my blog today.  When I read this post of hers last week, I was quite moved.  I hope you will be, too.

Take it away, Erin. . .

Statement of Intent

I was born between 1980 and 1999. I am a Millennial, and they keep telling me that I am the future. 

I grew up with the Internet. I transitioned from cds to mp3s, from VHS to DVD. I learned to type before I learned cursive. I learned my multiplication tables from Math Blasters. I grew up with Nintendo and Microsoft and Apple and cellphones.

I was twelve years old on September 11, 2001. I remember sitting in my classroom—I believe it was pre-algebra—that morning, watching the classroom television in silence, transfixed by the image of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center. I remember not really understanding what was going on or why it was happening. I was twelve. My main concern: were there any planes coming to get me? 

I watched President Bush address the nation. I watched him declare the “war on Terror.” I remember a time before Homeland Security. I followed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on and off as I went through middle school, high school. I watched some people I graduated with go off to war. I went to college. I cast my vote for Obama in 2008. I watched the banks collapse only to be bailed out. I studied the corporate greed. I saw it happen before my very eyes.

I follow Occupy in the news, I watch the police and the politicians try desperately to stop the most deadly force: a group of people who have seen the world collapse...and not seen anyone trying to fix it.

I study new media and culture. I bash my ideas against a wall of resistance. The professor doesn't understand that there is no difference between a book and an eBook. It's what is written that matters. I think they're afraid of me and my ideas. Because they know when I was born.

I was born between 1980 and 1999. I am a millennial, and I am your future.

And I’m not going away.